Dimissorial

/dɪmɪˈsɔːriəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or serving as an official letter or document that grants permission to leave a position or jurisdiction.

Etymology

From Latin dimissorius (from dimittere 'to send away'). This adjective specifically describes the type of document used in church administration to authorize someone's departure.

Kelly Says

Dimissorial letters were the medieval equivalent of reference letters—but instead of praising your work, they officially released you from one bishop's authority so another could take you on.

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